Pages

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Rachel Morgan (witch), Jenks (pixie) and their partner Ivy (living vampire), return in this third book of the Rachel Morgan series. The narrative begins almost immediately where the second book ended (you may want to skip this review if you plan on reading the series, which is definitely best enjoyed chronologically, so you won't ruin any plot surprises. See the link Dead Witch Walking below for a review of the first book).

In her own inimitable, impetuous way, Rachel made an agreement with a demon in order to get him to testify against a particularly horrible enemy she bagged in book two. She has agreed to be his familiar, which, if he pulls her into the "ever after," a sort of alternate realm where demons live, will mean a very, very long life of fear, pain and slavery. Rachel is counting on evading this fate through a technicality - only she's not sure if it will work or not. The demon turns out to be more powerful - and trickier - than she imagines.

To add to her difficulties, her boyfriend Nick has been keeping a wary distance from her. She inadvertently made him her familiar in the last book, and when she pulls on ley lines for magic, it affects him in frightening ways (as in causing seizures). As Nick maintains an emotional and physical distance from Rachel, she finds herself more and more attracted to Ivy's living vamp friend Kisten. She and Kisten had shared an intimate moment in the last book - an incident which occurred - at least Rachel tries to convince herself - only because she believed she was about to die. But every time she is with him, Rachel revisits that moment, and Kisten is clearly attracted to her, as well. If only that demon didn't show up to complicate matters further...

I am enjoying this series and am definitely hooked on the characters at this point. Jenks, Ivy and Rachel have an interesting dynamic that shifts and changes with each book, as characters develop and come to know each other on a more personal level. The books are more complex and serious than the whimsical titles imply; the world is a dark place, and there are no easy choices for the characters. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

Ladytink - I can't wait for the next one, either! No I haven't tried the Kelley Armstrong ones yet, but they keep catching my eye in one way or another. Now that you've mentioned them too, I definitely need to take the plunge!

pardon my ignorance, but what is a "living vampire?" is this one who is not "undead?" and if so, what constitutes "undead" as opposed to "not dead?" i'm not dead, but i suppose i am not un-dead as i have not died yet to be brought back. if this is the difference between undead and not dead, or living, then wouldn't a living vampire simply be a wierdo cannibal? i'm so confused!

Molly - this is the only series where I've seen the concept of "living" vampires. It's a bit complicated, but Ivy was infected with the vampire virus (did you know it's a virus?) in utero. So she craves blood and has preternatural abilities (strength, speeed, etc.) but has a soul and can walk around in sunlight. When she dies, she will be an undead vampire, and will lose her soul/humanity. So yeah, she kind of is a weirdo cannibal!